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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HOME CLEAN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HOME CLEAN

What would your superpower be? Well, picture this; that through a simple, sassy click of the fingers, all of the housework chores would be done. That would be ours. Because in this fast paced, frenetic modern existence, we’d all love to devote a little more time to doing the things we love, the things that nourish us, and not those which seem to, at best, just bring things back to normal. But through a little recalibrating of methods, tactics and even attitude, we can reframe our cleaning to be efficient, effective and whisper it, fun. Magic. Here’s how; our 5 IDEAL tips for keeping your home clean.

GET THE GADGETS

First things first, you need to view the purchase of some decent cleaning equipment as an investment. You’re going to be spending a lot of your life cleaning, and that’s unavoidable, but you can increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary time wasting by getting the right tools for the task, not those which break or bristle upon first use. Prioritise durability over cost, and high-tech over low. Though the outlay may at first seem large, in the long term you’ll be saving time and money, as well as that all important peace of mind, by drastically reducing the hours you spend scrubbing, sweeping and scraping.

REFRAME THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT CLEANING

If you view cleaning as a massive chore – one usually resented, procrastinated and abandoned – then inevitably it’s going to be viewed as an obstacle. But by a simple reframing of the way you look at cleaning, you can make it a valuable part of the day. You get out what you put in, as they say, so appreciate the physical benefits of a good bit of elbow grease, which when done right is said to burn 90 calories every quarter of an hour, as well as the cognitive perks, including increased organisational and planning capacities.

CONSIDER OUTSOURCING

If due to other domestic duties or a dedicated career, it’s entirely unrealistic for you to keep your home clean, then you should explore the option of outsourcing. There’s no shame in delegating the cleaning to a third party; let’s be honest, they’ll probably do it better. Enlisting the help of cleaning services isn’t as exorbitant as many imagine, but if you want to lower the cost, avoid a full, deep clean each week and instead hone in on the tasks you find particularly difficult and tiresome. You could hire a company to help with rug cleaning, outsource laundry, or have a window cleaner in every week. The choice is yours.

CREATE A SCHEDULE

Trying to do everything at once, with no set plan of attack, is what usually leads to that feeling of being overwhelmed and overly exhausted. Accept that you can’t do everything in one day if you want to be effective in all areas of your life and instead create a cleaning schedule that focuses on allocating a day to each task or a series of tasks. For example, Monday could be the bathroom day, while Tuesday is dedicated to dusting. The goal should be to create the perfect cleaning schedule so that you ultimately feel less burdened.

AVOID THE DREADED BUILD UP

Little and often should be your mantra, to maintain the cleanliness of your home in the most efficient way possible. The longer you leave something, the harder it’s going to be to clean it. For example, your gutters should be cleaned every 3-4 months so that they don’t get blocked with mucky leaves and debris. You can clean them yourself or with the help of a company like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Virginia Beach. No matter how they get cleaned, or who cleans them, they need to be cleaned. This will prevent any blockages or damage in the future, and not to mention it will increase your properties curb appeal and make it look much more appealing.

The same applies to the interior of your home too! We all know that it’s easy to quickly turn the house upside down, perhaps in the hunt for a lost key or during a day of duvets and Dominos, but by simply putting things back as soon as you use them or taking a few extra minutes to wipe tabletops down properly after each use, you’ll find your house is cleaner and tasks don’t build up until the point they’re untackleable. Lovely stuff.

 

7 IDEAL TIPS FOR PLANNING A WEDDING WITH A SHORT ENGAGEMENT

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7 IDEAL TIPS FOR PLANNING A WEDDING WITH A SHORT ENGAGEMENT

Sometimes, you just know. It’s in the stars. It’s obvious. It’s a love so pure and gushing that there’s no need to wait. And it’s the best feeling in the world. Lovely stuff indeed. But also, panic stations. Weddings take a long time to plan (and to save up for), so even if time is in short supply, foresight and finesse are required if you’re going to pull this off. Luckily, we’re here to be your bridesmaid, best man and wedding planner all rolled into one, with these; our 7 IDEAL tips for planning a wedding with a short engagement.

EMAIL INVITATIONS

Forget ‘save the date’ cards entirely, there’s simply no time. It might also be prudent to send your invitations out, however clinical this may sound, by email. With time tight, this is the best way of getting the word out quickly, efficiently and cheaply. And let’s face it, people are more likely to RSVP too!

PROTECT YOUR PURCHASES BY USING A CREDIT CARD

The average wedding costs a staggering £30,355. Realistically, if you’ve left little time between getting engaged and married, you’re going to be in a bit of a rush when making decisions. This can lead to mistakes and miscommunication, inevitably. Paying for important wedding costs by credit card can offer extra protection that isn’t assured when paying a bill using cash or bank transfer. Should the photographer fail to show, for instance, or details aren’t as agreed on the day, then you have some extra security on those mishaps. When time is tight, this can be really useful.

BEVVY SAVVY

Booze is one of the day’s biggest expenses, and therefore a cause of headaches (and that’s not just the hangover!). So when negotiating how the drinks budget will be allocated, ensure you stipulate how much is to be paid per head. Doing so will avoid a possible nasty surprise when the drinks bill arrives after the honeymoon. You have a fixed price, you know the number of guests who are coming, and it’s clear what the invoice will be. This level of clarity is vital when you’re doing a lot of planning last minute.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH YOUR VENUE

A wedding with little warning presents a problem in terms of securing a suitable venue. Most places are booked up months in advance, so you’re going to need to think outside the box with this one. Somewhere offbeat, unique and personal to you is much more likely to be available than a cliched place sought by most other couples. Don’t be afraid not to conform.

STREAMLINE THE ESSENTIALS

Ask yourself about what you consider the essence of a great wedding day, and what defines your romance. Once you’ve honed in on the essentials, you can cut back on the frippery. Streamlining is key. You might not find a band that will play on your chosen date given the limited time you’ve given yourself to book them; so, simply hire a D.J.

Equally, there may not be time to find a baker ready to fashion an elaborate, customised cake. Instead, you can find a standard cake in a local bakery. It all ends up the same, anyway. And your dress; we hate to say it, but there may not be time for endless fittings, alterations and fabrications. You have two options here; go for something timeless and classic which by design is less in need of adjustments, or completely rewrite the rulebook and freestyle by wearing whatever you want. It’s your day, after all.

CALL IN THE FAVOURS

Baker friend? A wedding cake could be their gift. Chef in the family? The catering might be covered. Interior designer who you went to school with? Fire up the Facebook and get in touch. Call in the favours wherever you can. Firstly, plenty of services and goods will be fully booked, unavailable or sold out at short notice. Next, this will greatly help limit the cost of things which, while not seeming like much individually, certainly mount up when accumulative. Teamwork, as they say, makes the dream work.

ARRIVE IN STYLE

Once everything is in place, against all odds, you can breathe a sigh of relief. First impressions count, and nothing says ‘this wasn’t rushed, everything is in hand’ like a stellar entrance.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR EVENT PLANNING

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR EVENT PLANNING

Events manager, isn’t that just a glorified way to say you’re a party planner? Can you actually make a career out of arranging buying some boxes of bubbly and some bunting? Well, yes. And while some may talk about it in a blasé way, event planning is actually a stressful, complicated and incredibly involved process. What might go wrong, will, and a whole lot of pressure rests squarely on your shoulders. But that shouldn’t put you off; quite the opposite in fact. Because we love a challenge, and you should too, and there’s no more exciting and fulfilling one than throwing a successful party and making it look easy. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL tips for event planning.

CREATE A CHECKLIST

It’s can be surprisingly, alarmingly easy to overlook certain crucial details when planning an event, and as antiquated as it might be in this day and age, having a list on hand, to tick off and check repeatedly, can help tremendously in the task of organising. A simple, visual record of what’s done and items still left on the agenda can help immensely in dividing your day into the most productive version of itself. Plus, there’s something really rewarding about the feeling of physically crossing items off the list; just bliss.

THINK TWO MOVES AHEAD

We’re not talking about a chess themed throwdown here, although come to think of it, that does sound rather great. Nope, we’re talking about deploying generous amounts of forward thinking and foresight to your event in an effort to get the best prices and products and avoid any last minute hiccups. Not only will this approach grant you ample time to find a suitable venue, arrange catering and hunt down esoteric, unique entertainment like fairground stall hire or a giant sized Monopoly board, for instance, but it’ll also allow you to receive and compare quotes on cost. The natural result of this is both staying within budget and landing your first choices; the two key ingredients for a rip roaring event.

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL

When it comes to separating the great from the good, it really is all in the detail; the myriad tiny touches which add up to one essential event. Focusing on detail is vital, and what gets you noticed. It’s also crucial in terms of narrowing down your party planning options, when it comes to booking venues, vendors and all the rest. There’s a surprisingly broad scope of choice out there, but with a focused vision, it’s much easier to find the really niche, unique offerings which will last long in the attendee’s memory. In other words, do sweat the small stuff.

ORDER AMPLE REFRESHMENTS

One of the most important aspects of any event is keeping your guests well fed and watered. You can provide all of the raucous entertainment you could dream up, but without refreshments (solid and liquid) things just aren’t going to kick off. You know how the saying goes, that no one ever enjoyed Vegas sober? Well, bear that in mind. Rumbling stomachs and empty glasses are one of the main buzzkills of any event. It just lacks generosity. Therefore, make food and drink a priority as running out isn’t a good look.

HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN

As there are a staggering number of variables which contribute to planning an event and its eventual success or failure, it’s not uncommon (in fact, it’s pretty much guaranteed) to encounter unexpected hurdles during the process. And while having a positive, optimistic mindset is a desirable quality in an event’s planner, it’s never a bad thing to prepare for the worst. To this end, it’s good practice to have a contingency plan in place for venues and food provision at the very least.

 

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR DECORATING SMALL APARTMENTS

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL TIPS FOR DECORATING SMALL APARTMENTS

‘It’s…cosy’ the hopeful estate agent mutters and the alarm bells start ringing. Immediately, your mind is conjuring up images of a dim, dank and dingy place with no hope in hell of being brightened up. But small shouldn’t necessarily mean slumming it. In fact, in the right hands, such a place can be streamlined, decluttered minimalism in the best possible way. And it’s in those hands that brushes, hammers, nails and screwdrivers should be held. Because with just a little D.I.Y, big changes are possible. With that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL tips for decorating small apartments.

KEEP THE WALLS LIGHT

One of the quickest paths to alleviating that sense of a small and cramped room is a colour scheme which errs on the lighter side. Of course, gloom and doom might be your thing, but if you’d rather have a room which feels light, airy and welcoming, your next lick should be something lighter. A neutral shade like ecru, beige or one rendered in pastel will keep things feeling fresh and bright, and will lift your spirits along with the less tangible but no less important ‘mood’ of the room.

FIND THE RIGHT FLOORING

Since you live in a small place, footfall is going to be resolute, routine and unavoidable, with every square metre of the property experiencing a little wear’n’tear in the process. Due to this, the flooring itself will likely wear a more well worn look, and if you’re not diligent about this, the whole apartment may start looking rather shabby, rather quickly. Choose a good quality, long-lasting floor to negate this; try to find the best laminate flooring you can for an easy-to-manage, easy-to-clean and stylish(ish) surface.

CAREFULLY ZONE & SEPARATE AREAS

If you live in a open plan, small space, the guys at My Move recommend doing your best to “define separate areas and giving each area a specific purpose”. They suggest putting your coat and shoe racks by the door to round off your entranceway and positioning a buffet or console table between the “kitchen and dining areas for easy serving and extra storage.”

We also suggest separating areas with paint and/or wallpaper. We know we recommended that you keep the walls light, but a feature wall designed to zone your room in a darker tone can add the illusion of depth. Consider using contrasting colours to define different zones intended for different uses.

You can also define areas by creating a feature wall of pictures. Use eclectic, mismatched picture frames for a quirky, fun gallery look dedicated to those you love the most. Get onto a photo printing website to print off some of your favourite photos that nobody else will have in their homes. You don’t even have to put a nail in a wall, as there are plenty of products which allow you to remove your frames with ease – and all without causing any lasting damage to the walls!

Read: 7 ways to add interest to your walls

HANG MIRRORS

An interior design trick beloved of those in-the-know is to hang a few mirrors; a surefire way to bring a sense of space to proceedings without the huge financial outlay required to actually knock down walls and expand. Indeed, a mirror is an ideal way of incorporating light into a living space, as reflections will make the room feel bigger and brighter. Not only that, but a mirror will also add depth to a flat wall and can be used as a feature piece on plain backgrounds. With a more expansive feel to the space, those cliched dark corners and lurking presences will be well and truly exorcised.

MAKE GOOD USE OF STORAGE

A small apartment space may mean a lot of your stuff is very much on show rather than incognito, and this can contribute to a dingy, undesirable feel. It’s best, then, to deploy all the tricks of the trade in terms of handy storage solutions to open up your space as much as possible. Consider getting a bed with a built-in cavity to store extra belongings and find boxes or pouffes with hidden compartments in them for your living room. Anywhere where there might be some dead space could instead be home to a storage solution; we’ve written more about it over here. Go check it out!

DECLUTTER REGULARLY

Though seeking out storage is a great idea, when used in tandem with regular decluttering sessions, you’ll find your space feels far more open and free from unnecessary distraction. You only have a finite amount of space within your apartment and as such, you need to be strict about what items you value enough to have out on display and in use at all times. There’s no point being sentimental about ‘stuff’ if you haven’t got the space for it; instead, donate unnecessary items to a friend or charity shop and look forward, rather than back through a very crowded wing mirror.

5 IDEAL IRISH ADVENTURE HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

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5 IDEAL IRISH ADVENTURE HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES

An Englishwoman, Irishman and Scot walk into a bar, with the intention of planning an adventure holiday abroad. Inca trails in Micha Pichu, shark cages in South Australia and mountain climbing in Nepal all get a fair hearing over a few pints, but distance and cost ultimately write them off. ‘How about some pulse racing, adrenaline a touch chasing closer to home?’ suggests the Irishman. The others laugh, ‘that’s just not possible’, but there’s no punchline here. Ireland is, in fact, an amazing, cost effective choice for those hungry for a holiday of extreme exploits and hair raising fun who don’t want to spend more time on the plane than in the grip of excitement. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL Irish adventure holiday ideas for adrenaline junkies.

SKYDIVE OVER OFFALY

The county of Offaly is just a 90 minute drive inland from Dublin. Most visitors head here for three reasons; to visit the 6th century monastic site of Clonmacnoise National Monument, to peer in to the Great Telescope (once the world’s largest) at Birr Castle and most importantly for us, to skydive. Starting at Clonbullogue Airfield in the town of Edenderry, parachute clubs offer onsite, pre-jump training, equipment, and even a tandem skydive option, perfect for a stag or hen party, or even an office team building exercise.

RAFTING ON THE RIVER LIFFEY

What better way to experience Ireland’s famous river Liffey than at first hand, with paddle and raft? Negotiating the seemingly tranquil river isn’t at first glance the most fast paced adventure activity available in the country, but it’s an eye opening look at Dublin at close quarters. It actually provides some pretty hairy, hair raising moments along the way, too, particularly along the four artificial weirs which make up most routes, where the drops are sharp and the risk of a headfirst plunge into cold water pretty high if you don’t have your wits (and oar skills) about you. There’s also the chance for a bit of wildlife spotting, although the likelihood of seeing another dolphin, such as happened at the tail end of last year, is slim.

CLIMB THE BURREN & WALK THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

Ireland boasts some truly stunning scenery; sheer, remote and unspoilt by the modern world’s heavy hand. This makes it a great destination for climbing and hiking, its rugged terrain and jaw dropping views best experienced from a vantage point only available to the daring and courageous. If you’ve ever fancied seeing the Cliffs of Moher, and love the thrill and challenge of the ascent, then combine the two; the nearby Burren is one of Ireland’s premier climbing spots and the Cliffs offer plenty of trails for a good old fashioned hike, the most popular being from Doolin to Hag’s Head.

ZIPLINE IN KILKENNY

Kilkenny, specifically Castlecomer Discovery Park, is home to Ireland’s longest zipline. At 300m long and 35m above ground (at its highest), zipping over two lakes, vast expanses of woodland and even a hand restored bridge from the 17th century, it’s a real thrill ride. What’s more, the park is run on a not-for-profit basis, so any money spent goes instead to promoting rural tourism and straight back into this majestic, one of a kind park.

MOUNTAIN BIKE IN BALLYHOURA

Finally, we’re heading south east, to the Ballyhoura mountains, which straddle Country Limerick and County Cork. Mountain Biking here is big news, with 98km of trails making it the biggest of its kind in Ireland. If you’re seeking real endurance, then it’s got to be the Castlepook loop, a full 50km of struggle and strain, including 1100 of climb, and long, sweeping descents.

5 IDEAL LONDON STREET EATS TO TRY THIS WEEK

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5 IDEAL LONDON STREET EATS TO TRY THIS WEEK

If you’ve pencilled in a visit to London this weekend, sampling the British capital’s renowned cultural variety, vibrant nightlife and cuisine are all surely high on the itinerary. And while many of the capital’s best eating opportunities are found sitting at the dining table, with cutlery, crockery, wait staff and the rest, a surprising amount of cult culinary classics are actually found on the street. For the budget conscious and avid foodie alike, this spells full tummys and fuller wallets. However, with such a wealth of street eats offered in the capital, it’s impossible to know where to start. To help, we’ve picked a random handful of some of our favourite offerings. Great stuff, now let’s get stuffed; here are our 5 IDEAL London street eats to try this week.

SUB CULT

There are definitely plus points to starting your London trip in its City district. Not only are the accommodation options varied and luxurious, for instance the Dorsett Hotel, City or some of the most well appointed air b’n’bs the country has to offer, but here you’ll also find Sub Cult‘s submarine rolls. They’ve recently got a permanent spot on 82 Watling Street and we couldn’t be more excited about that. You can expect to be greeted at Sub Cult with a fist bump, as Time Out explains. Yep, we cringe at the prospect, too, but it’s worth a grin and a bear to get your teeth stuck into the good stuff; their submarine roll combinations include pulled pork, seared scallops, calamari and parsley mayo.

BOXPARK SHOREDITCH

The raucous weekend atmosphere of Shoreditch’s Boxpark isn’t to be missed; a host of stacked shipping containers slinging street eats and craft beer to the hungry, thirsty throngs. However, unlike what the outlet’s physical look could lead you to believe, there’s far more than just the food of the sea on offer here. Vietnamese, Korean and Jamaican food is all served up by small traders here, while you can even sate your appetite for frozen yoghurt and monster pizzas if it be your will.

SHELLYBELLY’S

A little further from the centre but conveniently at the end of the fast moving Victoria line is Walthamstow and, to be more exact, Shellybelly’s. Even Shellybelly’s itself concedes that “its food isn’t for the faint-hearted”, but punch, pungency and confidence is what we personally love on a plate. If you’re the same, this one’s for you. Caribbean food is the name of the game here, Allow yourself to be tempted by the meat sourced from the London’s famous Smithfield Market, which over two days is bathed in homemade pimento and scallion jerk. The food here is also served with tomatoes and mango sauce, as a rule. And that’s not something we have any complaints about at all.

MAMA GEE’S POP UP KITCHEN

If the Shellybelly’s fiery fare is a little too out there (spice or location wise) for you, but Caribbean food is still very much your thing, you might prefer Mama Gee’s Pop Up Kitchen. Located in the sleepy area of Hornsey in north London, it’s especially noteworthy for its tender oxtail meat served in a thick, deep gravy. Pavlov reactions at the ready, guys… That meat is offered with soft butter beans and small “spinner” boiled dumplings – and rest assured that staples of Jamaican cuisine, including jerk and curry, are also on offer at Mama Gee’s, too. No reason not to, we think.

TACO DAVE

You probably don’t tend to routinely douse your beef in Dr Pepper, but when you’ve tried this guy you’ll be a sworn convert in no time. That’s because the fizzy drink provides the glaze to the most tender of beef briskets offered by Taco Dave, to such a supreme level that you’ll never look back. You can catch up with Taco Dave at Broadway Market, where you can also sample their cornflake fried chicken as well as vegetarian-friendly halloumi with pomegranate molasses. Don’t let the banal name fool you, you can expect it to long remain imprinted in your brain after you’ve sampled Dave’s delights.

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING A BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL

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6 IDEAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING A BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL

You know what they say, your next holiday will only be as good as the bag on your back. Or something like that. But it’s an invented saying that actually rings rather true, and reaches certainty when discussing longer trips and travelling. Because without comfort, space and security, a jaunt across the globe with all your worldly possessions straining at your shoulders can become a very tiresome burden indeed. And no one wants to view their next adventure like that, right? However, we’re not talking about those massive travel backpacks, rather the one that you’ll be using as a carry-on-bag and taking on those exciting day trips. With this in mind, here are 6 IDEAL tips for choosing a backpack for travel.

IS IT WATERPROOF?

Let’s cut to the nitty gritty off the bat; if you’re doing travelling in the spontaneous, carefree style, there are times when you’re going to get soaked through. Tropically, biblically wet. And that’s fine; it means you’re somewhere far flung, unpredictable, and on foot, seeing the sights and doing it right. But there’s no bigger buzzkill to the spontaneity than possessions ruined by the inclement weather. So, first things first, your priority, above size, shape, colour themes and natty appearance, should be whether or not your bag is waterproof. Be aware that waterproof and repellant aren’t the same thing and don’t equate to the same level of protection. 

FEEL THE BURDEN

When testing a bag out for comfort on the shop floor, an unfair impression is likely; it’ll be empty and the full capabilities of the straps won’t be shown. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this bag, through thick, thin and all in between, so you need to make sure it’s properly comfy and secure on your back. It’s a fair investment too, and as such should be tried out in person, in a shop. In general, pick backpacks with thick shoulder straps and waist belts, according to ergonomists.

Ask the assistants to fill it up with whatever debris or surplus items they can find so you can assess the full weight of it before buying. To make it as comfortable and secure as possible, always remember to wear it on both shoulders (none of that single slung, looking effortless stuff please) and wear it high up the back; straps should be adjustable on anything half decent. Also, if your bag comes with a chest or waist strap – or even better, both – then that’ll ease the burden on your shoulders considerably.

RECOGNISABLE, LOW KEY

A matter of personal preference, this, but also one which needs a little thought prior to purchase; how unique your bag looks, well, it matters. You’re going to want your backpack to stand out from the crowd, to an extent, as owning one which shares a similar appearance to all its companions in the hold or trunk makes life pretty difficult when they’re all coming off the carousel at quick speed. You don’t want to end up wearing Zainy Jim’s sombrero and elephant harem pants for the rest of your trip because of a simple case of misidentification.

On the flipside, you probably don’t want to stand out too much; those backpackers standing on a street corner, peering into Google Maps and teetering under the weight of their bag are ripe for a scam or two. Keep it low-key, but recognisable, perhaps with a backpack accessory like a tag or patch sewed on for good measure.

COMPARTMENTALISE

One important consideration is what you’ll be carrying around in your backpack. Think about what items will serve you on a daily basis and what things you want to have handy and within easy reach. We all know what it’s like; digging deep for a charger, losing stuff and finding it again at the bottom of your bag. As such, essential when travelling is a backpack with the ability to compartmentalise, and perhaps the prudent purchase of an organiser – essentially an efficient way to compartmentalise your bag – will save you time packing, unpacking and searching for fundamentals.

STYLE & STATEMENT 

While keeping your purchase low key and practical is important, don’t compromise on your personal style. While it must do the job, choose a backpack like you would any other accessory and make sure that it works with your wardrobe. Minimal branding and detailing will guarantee longevity and neutral shades are always a sound choice. However if you normally wear monochrome outfits, consider a bag that will give your look a pop of colour. When it comes to choosing a backpack, keeping in mind your personal style will ensure you enjoy the shopping process as much as the purchase itself. 

A FEW TO CONSIDER….

Simpler, Smaller, and Straightforward

Fjallraven Kanken Classic: This 16L bag is small enough, and it has adjustable straps, so it can be carried as either a backpack or a handbag. Available in plenty of both solid and brilliant colour options.

Eastpak Padded Pak’r: With 24L volume, this one is a bit bigger but still simple enough. It has a single main compartment and a large front pocket. It’s more mature in style and colour varieties.

Jansport Superbreak: A 25L backpack with one main compartment, and a front utility pocket with a basic organizer. Coming in 30 different colours and prints, it’s perfect for every style of self-expression.

Bigger and More Detailed

Jansport Right Pack: A 31L bag with one large main compartment, an internal 15-inch laptop sleeve, front stash pocket, and front utility pocket with a basic organizer. The bottom is suede for extra durability.

Jansport Big Student: This 34L backpack is for when you need a lot of space for books and binders. It has two large main compartments, lots of pockets, lots of space, and a front utility pocket with an organizer.

The North Face Borealis: A 28L bag which has a large main compartment with a 15 inch padded laptop sleeve, another compartment with a proper organizer that’s made with attention to detail and quality pockets, and much better shoulder straps and back padding than the previous options. The price is higher for those reasons though.

 

4 IDEAL DRIVING APPS FOR CARS

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4 IDEAL DRIVING APPS FOR CARS

There really is an app for everything. Statista recently estimated that 197 billion mobile app downloads were made in 2017 alone, and with our current world population standing at just under 7.7 billion, in theory this means that around 25 apps exist for every single person on the planet. So whether you want to fake a cracked screen (yours for $0.99), identify the best time to take a loo break during a film, or the ‘nothing’ app which does, well, absolutely nothing, the world wide web has got you covered. Then there’s the far less esoteric and entirely more useful apps for those everyday tasks and undertakings which could do with a little streamlining. And never has this been truer than on the road. So, we’ve teamed up with by specialist VW service provider, Vindis, to bring you these; our 4 IDEAL driving apps for cars.

ANDROID AUTO & APPLE CARPLAY

Firstly, a pair of smart driving companions which both carry out similar functions. Of course, the choice of which one you download will depend on the type of smartphone you have, so we’ve included both. If you have a device with an Android operating system, then Android Auto helps improve several areas of the on the road experience. This smart driving companion essentially means that while you’re at the wheel, you only need to mutter ‘OK Google’ in order to…

  • Set up real-time GPS navigation and be informed about traffic alerts.
  • Check your calendar for any occasions that you have scheduled.
  • Set reminders.
  • Get up-to-date news.
  • Setting up a do not disturb message on your phone.
  • Make or answer phone calls handsfree.
  • Access so many of your media apps, such as those containing your favourite music playlists, audiobooks and podcasts.

Apple CarPlay functions in a similar manner to Android Auto and is made for iOS smartphones. Featuring Siri voice control, here’s just a few things you can do once you open the app:

  • Search for attractions while driving by simply asking for directions by the following means: “Siri, where’s the closest petrol station?”.
  • Have the app predict where you need to be by analysing addresses on your recent emails, text messages, contacts and calendars.
  • Make calls and listen to voicemail handsfree.
  • Have Siri read and reply to text messages, as well as send messages in new conversations too.
  • Gain access to content via your iTunes, Apple Music or other audio apps accounts, as well as even request for Siri to become your personal DJ for the duration of a road trip.

In effect, you can remain connected without taking your focus away from the road! Download the app here: Android Auto: https://play.google.com Apple CarPlay:https://www.apple.com

HERE WEGO

Sick and tired of your mobile phone losing internet connection just as you’re hitting a busy city centre that you’re unfamiliar with? Yep, we’ve all been there, lost, going in circles and unsure of how to reach B. The HERE WeGo app should mean that you never need go through this again. This is because the app allows you to download offline maps of the UK and other countries — including France, Spain, Italy, the US. This means that you don’t need an internet connection to be guided accurately to wherever you want to go. The app even comes in handy when you’ve left your car at home, as it’ll inform you of carsharing opportunities nearby whenever you need it and can also call a local taxi too. Being stranded in an unfamiliar city never felt so secure. Download the app here: Android Auto: https://play.google.com Apple CarPlay: https://itunes.apple.com

YOURPARKINGSPACE

If it isn’t your sat-nav losing internet connection at a vital moment getting you all hot and bothered while at the wheel, then not being able to find a parking space once you’ve arrived at your destination surely will. Again though, help is at hand – well, at a finger tip, really — this time in the form of the YourParkingSpace app. This award-winning service has been praised at the 2021 British Parking Awards (sounds like a riot; can we get an invite, please?) for its innovation and accessibility. The app itself is made up a database of over 1 million parking spaces, off-street parking options (think car parks, private spaces and even driveways) and on-street parking possibilities (that’s stretches with parking meters and free parking zones) and helps you find somewhere to leave your car safely and securely.

YourParkingSpace doesn’t just come in handy when trying to find a space, however. You can also reserve a guaranteed space and pay for the spot via the app using either a card, PayPal or either Apple or Android Pay services.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO INCORPORATE PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR INTO YOUR HOME

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO INCORPORATE PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR INTO YOUR HOME

If there’s one place we should be turning to for advice on all things fashion, design and style, it’s the Pantone Color Institute. What they don’t know about colour isn’t worth knowing and, at the end of each year, they announce their highly-anticipated Pantone Color of the Year for the year to come. A lot of time and research goes into determining the shade that they believe is going to dominate our homes and offices, from looking into trend forecasts to studying colour psychology and more. 

This year, it’s the turn of Living Coral (16-1546); a warm, bright and vibrant colour, which is said to be both welcoming and engaging. There are so many ways you feature Living Coral in your day-to-day life, from a bright piece of clothing to a stand-out shade of lipstick. But why not incorporate it into your home and enjoy it domestically, all year round? With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to incorporate Pantone’s colour of the year into your home. 

ADD A PIECE OF STATEMENT FURNITURE  

Introduce a conversation-starting piece into your home with a statement item of furniture in Living Coral. This is ideal for giving your living room a pop of colour, adding a bit of excitement to your downstairs space and showing off your up-to-date style. Consider a unique, velvet chair, a painted side table or even a brightly-coloured table lamp in the on-trend hue.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR BEDROOM

Adding Living Coral to your bedroom is easy. Treat yourself to some new bed sheets that feature the coral shade in the pattern, or stick to plain white sheets and add scatter cushions or a chunky throw in that special colour. Alternatively, you could use it in your curtains or lamp shades and include some coral-coloured flowers on your window sill too. If you can’t decide which idea you like the most, take a look at some storage beds, like those at the Divan Beds Centre, and mix it up from time to time; storing what you’re not currently using in the under-bed drawers. Just don’t overdo the shade; overkill is possible even in the most on trend colour schemes.

CREATE AN ACCENT WALL

A bold and beautiful way to incorporate Living Coral into your home is to paint an accent wall in one of your rooms. Bring life to your living room with a bright wall, featuring your favourite photographs in an assortment of different picture frames. If you’d prefer to experiment with the colour in a manner a little more subtle, the wall of a guest bedroom is the perfect place to let your inner interior decorator skills run wild.

ACCESSORISE YOUR LIVING SPACE

If you’re less about statements and more about subtle tinges of colour, then opt for accessorising with Living Coral in the common areas of your home, in lowkey flourishes rather than broad, bold strokes. Put some coral placemats and coasters in your dining room and living room, pop a coral vase on the mantelpiece or add some new cushions to the sofa. Indeed, featuring small touches around the house can be just as impactful as a big and bold design decision.

LIVEN UP YOUR KITCHEN

If there’s one room you can confidently add bright splashes of colour to, it’s got to be the kitchen. Render the insides of your cupboards in Living Coral for a subtle touch of style, buy some shiny new coral coloured appliances and crockery or go all out and have a brand-new coral kitchen fitted; there’ll never be a dull dinner time again. Visually, anyway.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO PROPOSE TO A FOODIE

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO PROPOSE TO A FOODIE

Young foodies in love; we all have a few in our friendship group. You know, the ones who plan their whole holiday around a single backstreet eatery. The ones who know all the best new restaurant openings and have deemed them old news before you’ve even had the chance to go. The ones with a pasta machine, proper knives and a well-stocked pantry. Yep, the couple who cooks and eats together, stays together. And if food plays a part in the popping of the question, then love’s longevity is even likelier. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to propose to a foodie.

CAKES & CONJUGALITY

Before you put a bun in the oven, it’s best to bend the knee, we think. Cakes take an integral role in the wedding process, being there for the big day and symbolic of a promise for long-lasting union, so if your partner is a lover of baking, why not let a cake do the talking at this stage too? You could cook up a batch of cupcakes, each with a letter on top spelling out those magical words, “Will you marry me?”.

Or, add one extra special decoration to the icing in the form of a marquise diamond ring? We wouldn’t recommend hiding the ring inside the cake, though; a choking hazard is known to be a pretty massive mood kill. Perhaps your other half isn’t the biggest fan of cake (you sure you want to propose?) and this is where a donut proposal comes in, instead. Present your loved one with a tray of donuts (allegorical in shape, of course) and in the centre of their favourite flavoured treat, sit the diamond ring.

A TOUR OF YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD SPOTS

A couple obsessed with food will likely have formed some of their most cherished memories over a meal, and dined out, no doubt, with enthusiasm. Arranging a tour of some of your favourite spots, perhaps just a plate at each place, is an amazing way to celebrate the journey of your love. Schedule in a seat at the restaurant which saw your first meeting, conversation, kiss, declaration of love, and so on. If you’re into something on the stilton end of the cheesy spectrum, then there are a few ways you can pop the question in a romantic restaurant.

If your partner is guaranteed to order dessert, you could ask the chef to write out the big question in a sauce on the side. Or, you could go full cliche and hide the engagement ring in the pud’ — just make sure they find it with a spoon before it reaches their lips. Personally, we’d probably only pull off a public proposal like this if there was steely confidence that their answer was affirmative.

DESIGN & COOK YOUR OWN TASTING MENU

Alternatively, if you fancy yourself a dab hand in the kitchen, you could cook a tasting menu of restaurant dishes which have a special significance to you as a couple. Perhaps your eyes first met over a crowded tapas bar? Kick off, then, with calamari. Maybe you’ve whispered sweet nothings in Amalfi; then lemon tart closes the show. You get the picture, we’re sure. Just don’t get so caught up in the cooking that you forget about that question you’re planning on popping.

FORTUNE COOKIE FUN

For foodies who would rather watch a movie on the sofa than get dressy and go to a restaurant, a Chinese takeaway could be the path to the ultimate proposal. Wait, hear us out. Firstly, the element of surprise is strong here; no one is expecting such a life-defining question to be framed within the context of chicken chow mein. Secondly, the real secret to this idea’s success lies in a ubiquitous element of the Chinese takeaway experience; the fortune cookie. Craft your own, with the message inside, and go down in history as the most unromantic, yet hugely imaginative proposal ever.

I PROPOSE A PICNIC

Is your foodie partner more of the outdoorsy type? Do they get a little heavy breathed over dulse foraging and nasturtium leaves? If so, a romantic picnic for two could be the ultimate proposal story. Start, perhaps, with your favourite walk, one with some special meaning for you both. Pack a picnic blanket, a selection of your favourite snacks and bottle of presumptive champagne, and the rest writes itself.

5 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

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5 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sometimes it can feel like the whole world is looking at things through the prism of a lens. Shutterbugs seeing through sepia tones and the grip’n’grin instant gratitude of Instagram accounts have turned the world into a very visual place indeed, for better and for worse. The former is most keenly realised when on the move, when everything is viewed with a fresh, childlike wonder and it’s the moments of majesty that truly matter. If you’re keen on capturing your next trip with a level of posterity and poise not usually shown off on social media, then read on; our 5 IDEAL travel tips for amateur photographers.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Even at beginner’s level, the cost of photography equipment can mount up. But let’s be honest, at beginner’s level too much kit can impede rather than enhance your shots. Great photography, at any level, is all about capturing the fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and while you’re fiddling with your infra red LED illuminator and full spectrum flash system, those moments will likely pass you by. So travel light and only carry the really essential equipment with you. This will cut back on the distractions which you probably won’t know how to utilise effectively anyway, and help you move in a dexterous way which won’t disturb the natural beauty around you.

In terms of indispensable equipment you probably can’t do without, a sturdy tripod will capture angles and clarity, a wireless remote trigger is a game changer for wildlife photography, and a personalised leather camera strap brings both security and a little swagger. When it comes to choosing a camera strap for travelling, one with plenty of padding, support and flexibility is best. For us, adjustable straps that can be configured in a number of ways, including as a neck strap, sling strap, wrist strap and shoulder strap are a must as you’ll likely to be carrying your camera for long periods of time trying to capture that perfect shot.

THE GOLDEN HOUR

For those with just a passing interest in photography, perhaps the golden hour (sometimes also referred to as the ‘magic’ one) will be a new concept. But to those in the know, these are the two windows of opportunity when most of the greatest shots are taken. These rose tinged 60 minutes just after sunrise and just before sunset, at dusk and dawn basically, are without fail the ones most bathed in that warm kind of glow which both evokes nostalgia and the sense that anything’s possible. So, while it might mean setting your alarm clock a little earlier and viewing impossibly beautiful sunsets through your lens rather than your actual eyes, the sacrifice is worth it for the best shots possible. While we’re on the subject, the blue hour (just before sunrise and just after sunset) is also an intriguing time to capture some interesting snaps, but requires a little more skill to pull it off. You got this.

FIND A FIXER

Those perfect moments of ‘authentic’ life are so rarely captured within the throng of a tour party or at a crowded landmark. If you’re going to get access to communities and locate those vistas less explored, nabbing those true, honest shots of real life taking place in the process, then you’re going to need to find yourself a fixer. Nope, we don’t mean those burly fellas from gangster flicks who do all the dirty work, but rather a person working to build links between the inquisitive, respectful tourists and the communities they’re exploring. By doing so, you’ll be gaining access to insider tips and introductions to people and places off the beaten tourist trail. More often than not, this is the most ethically sound way of operating too.

BE RESPECTFUL, LEAVE NO TRACE

Sure, locals will generally be proud of their home country and welcoming of visitors, but flashing a camera in unfamiliar faces is, in pretty much any culture, considered deeply impolite. In some countries, being photographed, whether by strangers or family, is a complete no-no, so approach all photography of people as the subject with sensitivity and always, always ask before you hit the ‘take’ button. Equally as important, when in rural, wild land with your camera, make every effort not to disturb, destroy or disrupt the subjects of your interest. Step carefully, breathe lightly, and leave no trace wherever you tread.

GET YOUR EQUIPMENT INSURED

Yep, we said travelling light is prudent, but it’s also wise to insure what equipment you do elect to bring with you. There is no bigger buzzkill for a photography trip than lost, broken or stolen gear before any moments have been captured. Basic travel insurance will cover cheaper cameras, but if you’ve invested in anything over roughly the £500 mark, then you’re going to need specialist cover. It’s important to let your insurer know of exactly the equipment you’re carrying to get yourself properly protected.

5 IDEAL HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR SPAIN IN 2022

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5 IDEAL HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR SPAIN IN 2022

So you’ve your heart set on Spain for your next sojourn, and who can blame you? We think the climate, cuisine and culture are, on the continent at least, incomparable, and it looks like the UK agrees. A recently published report by Thomas Cook once again had the country as us Brit’s favourite holiday destination. But such a broad statement of intent needs a little refining; you can’t simply head to the country and hope for the best. It’s time to fine tune things a little, with our help of course. Here are 5 IDEAL holiday ideas for Spain in 2022.

WALK THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

The Camino de Santiago is the holiest hiking trail in all of Spain, but irrespective of which God you pray to, the 500-mile pilgrimage is well worth doing, at least once in a lifetime. One of the world’s great walks, it’s over a thousand-years-old, an ancient thing of beauty, and preserved through near constant, diligent maintenance. In spite of its length, well, that’s up to you, which in combination with the rich and varied surrounding scenery, makes the Camino de Santiago trail the most popular hiking route in Spain, and one of the most popular in all of Europe.

There are several (eight or nine, in fact, depending on how you define it) different routes and iterations of the famous walk, allowing you to tailor your trip, to an extent, depending on your physical fitness, the length of time at your disposal and budget.

Along the way, albergues (cheap, sometimes free, hostels) provide the most commonly found and convenient accommodation. These can’t be booked generally, and are run on a first come, first served basis. Other options include pensiones (family run guesthouses) and hotels, which can get cumulatively pretty expensive if you’re committing to the full length of the Camino.

TRAVERSE THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAIN RANGE

Changing direction from one of the most famous walks in the world, we’re strolling south, to the trails across the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Southern Spain. There are easy routes, moderately difficult routes, and downright dangerous ones ready to take you to your physical limit, so choose your poison accordingly.

Once (or should we say ‘if’) you reach the Mulhacen peak (3,479m and the tallest on the Iberian peninsula), the views are absolutely breath-taking, with clouds flying below, above, and even at the same level as the peak. For a particularly difficult hiking challenge, scale the mountain via its North facing route, but only if you are a seasoned hiker, mountaineer and aspiring Ray Mears all rolled into one.

EXPERIENCE MADRID’S UNIQUE FLAMENCO CULTURE

There are certain iconic things about Spain, such as the La Liga, La Tomatina, tapas, siestas and of course, the Flamenco dance and music. If you’re visiting Spain and up for immersing yourself in the culture, seeing a Flamenco show for yourself is a lovely way to get involved and to grips with one of the country’s greatest traditions.

If you enjoy Spanish dance, music, fashion, art, folk culture, wine, and food, then perhaps the complete Flamenco show experience is at the Cardamomo tablao in Madrid will slake your thirst. They host four different shows each and every day of the week, with ten artists performing on every one of those shows. Do keep in mind that tickets and tables sell fast, so booking in advance is recommended.

GO SUPERCLUBBIN’ IN IBIZA

Ibiza’s nightlife needs little in the way of introduction. After all, Pacha Ibiza and Amnesia are two of the biggest and most popular superclubs in the world. There’s also Privilege, DC 10, and Space Ibiza, to name but a few. As one would expect from the best clubs on the planet, these are the places which also host the most famous DJs in the world, with names such as Carl Cox, David Guetta, Hardwell, and Calvin Harris shaking the floor with their mixes every night of the year.

STREET PARTIES, FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS

But that’s not where all of the partying is, or should be, focused. Oh no. Spain is a country of constant celebrations and festivals, all year round. Indeed, should you be so inclined, you could stay in a perpetual state of party for the entire year if you timed your trip right. Some of the biggest and best include:

La Tomatina – Visit the town of Bunyol in Valencia on the last Wednesday of August if you want to stomp on tomatoes and hurl them at each other with thousands of locals and visitors alongside you. And who doesn’t want to do that, right? It is the most popular festival in Spain and unless you book your tickets well in advance, the 20,000 or so tickets will be gone before you know it.

Feria De Abril – Perhaps the best time to experience the Flamenco culture is during April’s week-long festival of Feria De Abril in Seville. It’s a giant fair that sees revellers attend in traditional Andalusian clothing and on horse-drawn carriages.

If you miss the Feria De Abril in Seville, don’t fret; the Feria del Caballo in Jerez goes down the very next month in May, with horse parades are the chief attraction here.

Semana Santa – Also known as European Easter, devout Christians and curious punters alike will find much to enjoy during Semana Santa or Holy Week festival, which is held in certain parts of Spain, including but not limited to Seville, Malaga, and Leon. Groups of twelve men and women from their respective churches parade through the streets with representations of their patron saint on their shoulders, decorated beautifully with candles.

7 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR NEXT FLIGHT STRESS FREE

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7 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR NEXT FLIGHT STRESS FREE

Peak holiday season is approaching fast and airports all over the world are getting ready for their busiest time of the year. While some believe ‘the holiday begins at the airport’ – 9am pints at the ready – most of us find the whole experience rather harrowing, and that’s putting it mildly. Indeed, hell has nothing on Heathrow; getting through the gates of Gatwick more grueling than those of Gehenna; and you can spell, erm, ‘satan’ from Stanstead. Ok, too much. We didn’t mean to worry you. Quite the opposite in fact, we’re here to chill you out, and help you sit comfortably, with these, our 7 IDEAL ways to make your next flight stress free.

PASSPORT SCRUTINY

Before making a trip overseas, it’s vital to check your passport is all up to date and in order. Make sure you check your passport well in advance before you travel to verify how much validity you have left; many airlines require you to have at least six months of validity left on your passport to fly, so the sooner you check, the better, to avoid any nasty surprises. If you’ve never travelled abroad before, you’ll need to apply for your first passport. The process can be lengthy, so it’s best to set the ball rolling as soon as you can.

ONLINE BOARDING PASS

Along with the airline boarding policies, the check in process can be a confusing thing, with what’s required (or not) of you constantly changing and shapeshifting. Can I queue here? Do I have to pay for these? Do I need to print anything anymore? Instead of having to rely on the rhetorical, and bringing a physical copy of your boarding pass, why not use your mobile phone to carry the information instead? Most airline and booking apps now provide the facility to store all of your documents in one place on your phone.

CREATE A PACKING LIST

Knowing what to pack for your trip well in advance can take the stress and hassle away from your journey as the big day approaches. Many people make the mistake of leaving everything to the last minute, but being prepared is key for a stress free, smooth experience. There are various apps that you can download such as Wunderlist which can be a great way to track what you have already packed and what else needs to be put in for your journey. Simply tick off each item as you go, so you can be assured it’s in your luggage. We’ve given our ultimate space saving tips for packing over here, check it out.

SLEEP THROUGH IT

If you are flying long distance, getting some much-needed rest is important if you’re to put your best foot forward and stride confidently straight into holiday fun off the flight. Catching some Zzzs on the flight, then, is essential. A sleeping mask and some earplugs to shut off from everyone around you will help, as well as coordinated use of supplements such as melatonin, which helps you adjust to a new time zone succinctly.

WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES

What you wear on the plane can make a huge difference to your overall experience. Air cabins can get very cold due to the air conditioning, meaning you should plan accordingly and wear clothes that will keep you comfortable throughout. Though it might look the height of fashion, when you’re mile high, a soft tracksuit does the job perfectly. Also, try and refrain from wearing too much jewellery, especially as you will have to take it all off when going through security, which is always a pain. Ditto boots which require a lot of lacing; slip on shoes are far preferable when passing through security gates. All in all, it’s better to travel with little adornment on your body for the most comfortable, hassle free travel experience.

CONSIDER PAYING A LITTLE MORE

Hey big spender! If the thought of travelling abroad makes you feel anxious and you have the budget to splash out, why not consider flying privately? Companies like Paramount Business let you use a private jet to get from A to B, making the process several notches less hassle free (with prices travelling in the opposite direction, of course). It’s prudent to use a charter flight cost calculator to find the best private jet charter pricing, as there are various aspects that come into play which can alter the cost of hiring a private jet significantly, such as the size of the aircraft and the distance you fly.

Should your flight be delayed or cancelled, knowing your rights under EU261 regulation could be your ticket to compensation. Even post-Brexit, many UK passengers remain eligible for refunds and compensation when flights go awry, so it’s worth swotting up on the particulars before departure to avoid being left out of pocket.

GO EASY ON THE ALCOHOL

We’ve all felt the pull of the early morning g’n’t; the start of the holiday marked ceremoniously with drink. Indeed, for the aerophobic, it can be especially tempting to reach for the booze in the airport or plane as a way to calm your nerves, but this can be problematic as counterintuitively it can lead to increased anxiety. What’s more, a low-pressure cabin will make you feel dehydrated, particularly when drunk, which can lead to nausea and being even more fearful; a toxic mix, we think. Stick with water.

ENJOY IT

Perhaps the greatest piece of advice is that you should enjoy your time in the air. To put it simply, rarely are we granted hours of undisturbed sitting time, with people bringing us drinks and food as and when we wish, and hours of entertainment at our fingertips. Embrace the experience and make the most of it, in order to fight off the fear.

7 IDEAL TIPS ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PASSPORT 

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7 IDEAL TIPS ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PASSPORT 

Losing your passport, whether you’re in transit, in the hotel, or just about to leave for the airport, can quickly turn into a holiday nightmare with far-reaching repercussions which are impossible to prepare for. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to lessen the impact of such a situation, and quickly avoid any major interruptions to your travel plans. These are those; our 7 IDEAL tips on what to do if you lose your passport.

GATHER YOUR OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Once you realise that your passport is missing, it’s imperative to make sure that your other important personal documents are still safe. These include items such as any visa that you may need for travel, your flight tickets and booking confirmation, and other important personal documents such as your driving license or national ID card. These will all be necessary for a quick and hassle-free passport replacement process.

HAVE A NEW PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN

One of the best ways to hurry along the process of replacing your passport when abroad is to get a new passport photograph taken as soon as possible. Doing this before you begin to start the process of applying for a replacement will allow the passport office to get the process moving promptly.

To make the process as fast and smooth as possible, you should avoid white, grey or light colored clothing (it will blend into the white background). They also suggest that hats and head coverings (unless you wear them for religious reasons) shouldn’t be worn, as well as sparkling jewellery, the latter of which can reflect the camera’s flash and obscure your face in the photo.

If you’re currently in the UK, you can enter your postcode in the government’s official ‘find a passport office’ portal here, to find your nearest one.

REPORT YOUR PASSPORT LOST OR STOLEN

If you think that your passport has been stolen, you should report the crime to the relevant local authorities as quickly as possible, whether you are in the UK or abroad, and get a crime number or report. Or if you have simply lost your passport, you should report it to the UK Passport Office, so that it can be deactivated and prevent anybody else using it for travel purposes. You can do this quickly and easily by filling out an LSO1 form online at the Gov.uk website.

VISIT AN EMBASSY

The British Embassy, whichever country you may be in, can be a safe haven and assistance provider in times of need. You can visit the FCO website for a full list of British Embassies around the world, including their contact details. If you have lost your passport or it’s been stolen whilst you are travelling abroad, you’ll need to attend a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in order to get a replacement.

COMPLETE THE RELEVANT PAPERWORK

Once you have reported the theft or loss, collected your important documents, prepared new passport photographs, and are at the nearest British Embassy, you’ll need to spend some time filling out the relevant paperwork to replace your passport. Your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate will be able to issue you with emergency travel documentation to allow you to return back to the UK, if necessary. Bear in mind that emergency travel documents are usually only issued during standard office hours and are subject to a fee. There are rare occasions when it’s possible for emergency travel documents to be issued out of regular business hours, however, these will usually incur a larger fee due to the additional call out charge.

CHECK YOUR INSURANCE TRAVEL POLICY

Most travel insurance policies include cover for the loss or theft of your passport whilst travelling, so it’s a wise idea to check the specifics of your policy so you’re aware of whether or not you can expect to be able to recoup the costs of getting emergency travel documentation and replacing your passport. Once you’re back in the UK, you’ll be able to submit a travel insurance claim to get any money that you have spent back, up to the amount specified in your policy schedule. To successfully claim, bear in mind that you will usually need to provide your insurer with proof in the form of a police report, and evidence of emergency documentation costs.

REPLACING YOUR PASSPORT ONLINE

If your passport has been stolen or lost in the UK, then getting a replacement is usually much easier than when compared to doing this abroad. You can get an urgent passport replacement by visiting the London Passport office as mentioned above, but if time is not an issue in this situation, the easiest, most convenient and cheapest method of replacing your passport is online. You can do this by filling out the relevant forms on the Gov.uk website. In some cases, you may be required to produce a countersignature for your replacement passport. This is usually expected to be by a professional who is not related to or in a personal relationship with you and has known you for a certain number of years. You can find a full list of accepted countersignatures here. It may be quicker to apply for a new passport if you know your old passport number, although this is not a requirement.

6 IDEAL WAYS TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY

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6 IDEAL WAYS TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY

Mo’ money, mo’ problems. Tell that to someone who is struggling to make ends meet. At one time or another, such issues are likely to affect us all. Indeed, more and more people are getting into serious financial struggles in recent times as it becomes increasingly tough to remain financially stable. The rich are getting richer, and everyone else poorer, so it may well be true that right now you’ve got a friend or family member who is having difficulties keeping the lights on. Naturally, you want to help them, but how? Sensitivity, savvy and securely should be the buzzwords here, with these; our 6 IDEAL ways to help a loved one struggling financially.

HELP THEM WITH A PLAN

Saving money should be on the school syllabus, but sadly, it’s not. So if your loved one has found themselves in debt because they’re not that financially tuned in, the first thing you can do is offer to help them with managing their personal finances and assessing the options available to them.

This can be as simple as helping them understand what set amounts are going out each month and setting up a schedule to pay off their bills on time. You can see if they have any erroneous direct debits that can be cancelled and identify other areas where they can cut their spending.

You can also help them find the best support options should they need further assistance. For example, advising on the right credit card or loan option, or pushing them in the direction of professional advice.

SET UP A LOAN

A last resort in many cases, this one, but an option nonetheless. There are  a number of ways to do this, but what’s important is that you come up with a method that doesn’t put your own financial status, or your relationship, in jeopardy.

Your own bank balance is often much kinder than those banks on the high street, but you must be very careful when setting this up, and set some boundaries and terms. Have a clear discussion with your family member or friend about expectations and the what ifs and maybes. In reality, you should be prepared to not get your money back quickly, on time or at all.

GIVING MONEY

Of course, you can just hand over some money, but this should come with no strings attached. Don’t expect to call in favours whenever you please or expect obvious gratitude. Receiving a hand out can be a humbling, even embarrassing, experience, so be aware of this. Whilst your recipient will be grateful, don’t expect them to show it immediately.

A process like this, despite all good intentions, has the potential to go south very quickly. Any time money is involved, relationships can be damaged, even if it’s best friends or close family members. When looking to help, it’s paramount that you approach the situation sensitively. Your loved one might be feeling stressed, upset, ashamed or all of the above, so come from a position of altruism if you truly want to help.

AN ANONYMOUS DONATION

If you don’t want to make things awkward between you, think of a way to give some money on the quiet. A card posted through the door with cash in or a gift card to help with food or clothing could work too.

OUTSIDE THE BOX THINKING

There are various ways to help without a direct handover of cash. Offer to buy their weekly shop or invite them around for dinner regularly. Keep them involved in social events but be clear you don’t expect them to contribute financially. You can even pay them in return for ‘jobs’ you need help with. There will be plenty of weird and wonderful ways to help.

You also need to look after yourself in these scenarios. Don’t stretch yourself too far when it comes to trying to help; you risk your own financial and emotional distress which presents a whole new set of problems.  The consistent and most important theme through all of this, no matter what you choose to do, is maintaining the relationship. Approach each option with care and clear boundaries for both sides and you should be just fine.

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